'Roots Rock Reggae' depicts an unforgettable moment in Jamaica's history when music defined the island's struggles and immortalized its heroes. Director Jeremy Marre films Bob Marley and the Wailers, and Lee 'Scratch' Perry record in his legendary Black Ark studio with The Upsetters. Jimmy Cliff rehearses with Sly and Robbie, while Inner Circle's historic live gig is recorded on the violent Kingston streets. The legendary Abyssinians harmonize their haunting Rastafarian songs; Joe Higgs (formerly Bob Marley's teacher) plays and talks; majestic toaster U Roy raps alongside The Mighty Diamonds, and Third World record in a Kingston studio. There is also early archive footage of Toots and the Maytals, and Haile Selessie's royal visit to Jamaica while police and thieves battle it out on the streets, and the ghettos erupt in violence. 1977: An extraordinary year for Reggae music.
Credits
Beats of the Heart: Roots Rock Reggae Cast
| Name |
Character |
|
Jimmy Cliff
He was 28, now 76 years old
|
as Himself |
|
Bob Marley
He was 31, 36 years old when he died
|
as Himself |
|
Jacob Miller
He was 24, 27 years old when he died
|
as Himself |
|
Lee Perry
He was 40, now 88 years old
|
as Himself |
|
U-Roy
He was 34, now 82 years old
|
as Himself |
|
Dennis Brown
He was 19, 42 years old when he died
|
as Himself |
|
Joe Gibbs
He was 36, now 83 years old
|
as Himself |
Beats of the Heart: Roots Rock Reggae Crew
| Name |
Department |
|
Diane Ellis as Production Coordinator. She was 67 (20) years old when She died
|
Production |
